Holiday Dance Fun: Part I

The excitement surrounding this time of year is palpable, and you can use that to your advantage in the dance studio environment.

Here are a few fun songs and activities to incorporate into your December classes!

The Polar Express from The Polar Express Soundtrack:

Encourage students to form a train. Take their “tickets”. As the teacher, play the conductor and lead the “Dance Express” all around the room- the dancers should follow your movement.

Hot Chocolatefrom The Polar Express Soundtrack

This is a fun song, especially for tapping. Use cups/mugs and create fun rhythms. Let students shared their favorite way to enjoy hot chocolate- with marshmallows, whipped cream, etc.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer–Any Version

Assign, or let students’ choose, their reindeer assignment (Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen). Encourage each student to develop a character and back story for their reindeer. Using these characters, create a Rudolph routine.

Carol of the Bells- Any Version

Encourage dancers to explore the movement and idea of the bell shape, functionality, and pattern. Depending on the students’ level, concepts of weight sharing and improvisation may be incorporated, too.